Spiva Art Center

Historic preservation, adaptive reuse of a 1906 building as a community art center

Challenge

Renovate and adapt an historic building as an art center providing studio, gallery and learning spaces for area artists, residents and visitors.

Process

SFS worked with art center board members to envision the building’s potential space uses, aesthetic goals and visual identity as a community resource.

Solution

While preserving much of the 1906 building’s original facade, SFS designed improvements to the building’s structural, mechanical and electrical systems, and the building was completely gutted and reroofed. The redesigned space includes gallery space with special lighting and climate control; office and meeting spaces, and classrooms for arts and crafts instruction. Studio space also is provided for local artists to lease.